Asbury Park Restaurants: Where to Eat, Drink, and Play in the “City by the Sea”
For those of you that haven’t been to Asbury Park lately, or have just been reading about it through an outsider’s perspective, it’s time we, as locals, help you get into the game. Asbury Park has been continually praised by the likes of Travel & Leisure and even The New York Times, becoming the new “it” town at the Jersey Shore. White, sandy beaches, a bustling boardwalk, and an equally hopping downtown, Asbury Park is quite literally, “the city by the sea.”
With residents and visitors from all walks of life, Asbury Park feels like a mini metropolis, and its roaring restaurant scene is not an exception. You’ll find anything and everything from on the go tacos to rocking cupcakes, eclectic cocktails, craft beer, and gourmet dishes actually sourced from local farmers. With it’s newfound celebrity comes many naysayers, but we’re here to let you know that those Asbury Park restaurants and businesses that have been here for a decade or for just a year are dedicated to serving delicious food in a very competitive market. If it’s not great – it’s just not making it here!
We wanted to help you make sense of a day, evening, or weekend out in Asbury Park, so we’ve put together some places to that are perfect to indulge in. With our guide to Asbury Park restaurants, you’ll be dining and ordering like a local and maybe even making a few stops along the way!
Dowtown Asbury Park Restaurants
Driving down Lake Avenue, it’s hard not to miss the extra large space that is Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten. This Austro-Hungarian establishment has taken over the south side of town, with it’s rooftop bar, live music, extra large traditional German beers, and a food menu that is impressionable in all the right ways. Bitte… that’s you’re welcome in German. 527 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park 732-997-8767 http://www.asburybiergarten.com
If you’re here pretty much any day during the week, be prepared to wait because if you land up bailing you’ll regret it. Toast is all about “peace, love, and pancakes” and with options like their Red Velvet Pancakes, Huevos Rancheros, and Nutella French Toast they’re not kidding around. Want 10% off your entire food bill on your next(or first visit)? Download Locals InMotion for iPhone, click Local Offers, subscribe and you’re on your way to a great deal on some amazing food. Enjoy! Don’t forget to bring your own bottle of bubbly to the party! 516 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-5900 toastasburypark.com
Keeping with the fresh fish theme, sushi powerhouse TAKA Restaurant & Bar (they moved from their former location on Bangs), takes out all the stops. It’s not a time to go traditional and with lunch specials from 12-3pm during the week, you’re guaranteed not only a delicious meal, but a good deal. If you can look away from your plate for a moment, be sure to take in the décor. Or, even better, sip on a cocktail and some appetizers at the bar during happy hour. It’s also a great place to people watch! 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-1020 http://www.takaasbury.com
Kimmie Masi, the Rock$tar of Confections has been sweetening of Cookman Avenue for over five years. She’s got plenty of A-list clients and with her rock star cupcake “set list” that includes hits like I Can’t Get No Satisfaction (a vanilla bean cake swirled with caramel, chocolate, and peanuts, then topped with a caramel buttercream and drizzled with chocolate, peanuts, and Snickers). 550 Cookman Avenue, Ste 104, Asbury Park 732-455-3510 www.coarock.com
In its can’t miss location on the corner of Cookman and Bangs, The Bonney Read is Asbury’s very own fish house. Featuring dishes put together from the same culinary mind of the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, Chef James Avery, it’s an easy way to lose yourself for a couple of hours. The oysters are fresh (as is the specially made Mignonette) and the New England Clam Chowder has finally met its match in the Jersey Green Clam Chowder. 525 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-3352 www.thebonneyread.com
Johnny Mac House of Spirits: Buy a beer and you’ll get a pizza, a few tips from the wall, and maybe a chance to play some ping pong outside. 208 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-776-6666 www.johnnymacbar.com/
Cardinal Provisions: This breakfast and lunch spot combines the classic decor we dream about with dreamy dishes like their Fried Chicken and Waffles along with a number of sweets (don’t miss the Xuixos). 513 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-898-7194 crdnal.com
Talula’s: There’s nothing they take more seriously than their sourdough, which is why their specialty pizzas and sandwiches are always on on point. 550 Cookman Avenue #108, Asbury Park 732-455-3003 talulaspizza.com
Pascal & Sabine: The only French restaurant to grace Asbury Park, think luxurious velvet, low lighting, and unctuous dishes. 601 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-3395 www.pascalandsabine.com/
Moonstruck: Picture wrap around porches, strong martinis, and classic dishes, the perfect date night. 517 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park 732-988-0123 moonstrucknj.com
Barrio Costero: Coastal Mexican cuisine meets the Jersey Shore, especially during their “Daily Escape.” 610 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-5544 www.barriocostero.com/
The Complex: Encompassing three restaurants and four bars (Bond Street Bar, Loteria, Capitoline) that range from burgers and brews to tacos and margaritas, there’s a 100% chance you’ll find yourself in one of them (or underground). 639 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-1575 http://www.thecomplexap.com
Cross & Orange: Situated on a corner with windows overlooking Kennedy Park, Cross & Orange is a throwback to when the food you ate excited you with every bite. 508 Cookman Avenue 732-361-5502 crossandorangeap.com
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room: You could almost argue that Brickwall is AP’s very own watering hole, a relaxed atmosphere, pub grub, and lots and lots of beers. 522 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-1264 http://www.brickwalltavern.com/
Brando’s Citi Cucina: Great food, quality ingredients, and excellent service make up this “osteria” where they’ll make you feel right at home. 162 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-774-2222 http://www.brandosnj.com/
Crust & Crumble Pizzeria: Pizza lovers rejoice, this intimate pizzeria is the perfect place to congregate and enjoy pizza that can be made vegan, gluten-free, and delicious. 633 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7767 http://www.crustandcrumble.com/
Reyla: Mediterranean tapas makes this lunch, dinner, and brunch spot a place where the more company you have, means the more dishes you can try. 603 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-8333 https://www.heyreyla.com/
Modine: From the masterminds of Talula’s comes a modern twist on classic coastal Low Country fare complete with vegan fried chicken that will fool anyone. 601 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park 732-893-5300 https://www.modineasbury.com/
Pasta Volo: Small yet mighty might be the way to think about this hidden fresh pasta joint where you can make al dente pasta, your way. 419 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-361-5549 https://www.pastavolo.com/
At the Table: Blink and you may miss this hidden gem where Chef Janice Murphy serves up Southern style dishes that will bring you back to an evening out in Charleston. 311 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-455-5093 www.atthetablenj.com
Twisted Tree Cafe: Open for breakfast and lunch, this (mostly) vegan joint is the perfect place to grab a fresh wrap and smoothie on your way to the beach. 609 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-2633 www.twistedtreecafe.com
Belmonte’s: Half price pasta nights and a BYOB make this Italian joint a fun spot to feel like part of the family. 632 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7500 belmontesap.com/
Asbury Ale House Sports Bar & Grille: While you dig into some of their mac ‘n cheese specials, shoot some hoops, play some shuffleboard, or some video games – it’s where adults can be adults and act like kids. 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-3808 http://www.asburyalehouse.com/
The Speakeatery: Stop in for a sandwich or sit down for a leisurely lunch, either way treat yourself to one of the best Steak Sang-Gweech on the East coast. 705 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-898-9456 www.thespeakeatery.com
Proven Poke Co: The Hawaiian poke craze has officially taken over Asbury where you can now get fresh fish and toppings in a convenient bowl or wrap – perfect for the beach. 664 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-5969 https://www.provenpokeco.com/
DJ’s Delights Deli & Restaurant: Not just a grab’n go, their restaurant is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day for all of your BLD needs. 620 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park 732-869-1100 www.djsinap.com
Asbury Park Restaurants On the Boardwalk
Cuba may now be on your travel radar, but it may not be happening anytime soon. No worries, Cubacan solves the travel conundrum. Everything from the black and white décor to the music, to the rum cocktails and the Paella Valencia, you’ll be shocked the white sand beach in front of you is not 1,200 miles away. 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-3007 cubacanrestaurant.com
Pasta, pizza, meat dishes, and a lot of seafood. Stella Marina is the spot to eat the way Italians would along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Enjoy a sip on a glass of red (or white) at the downstairs or upstairs bar during Happy Hour. If it’s nice out, try to get a table on the second floor deck that’s crisscrossed with strands of lights…very romantic. 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-7776 www.stellamarinarestaurant.com
Tony’s Sausage: In 2011 Tony’s Sausage brought a family recipe dating to the 1940’s to guests who visited them on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Since then, they’ve been serving up some of the best sausage and steak sandwiches you can get your hands on at the Jersey Shore. (732) 670-6590 http://tonysasburypark.com/
Just a block from the boardwalk and the historical Convention Hall, is Kim Marie’s, a local watering hole that offers cold drinks, a very long happy hour (from 11-7pm!) and updated bar food. On the weekends, they’re also home to the hangover cure – a breakfast menu featuring everything from steak and eggs to Southern Eggs Benedict. 1411 Kingsley, Asbury Park 732-775-6666 www.kimmarieseatndrinkaway.com
Not just one of the coolest hotels in the city, the Restaurant at Hotel Tides is somewhat of a local’s secret, featuring dishes like crab cakes, duck spring rolls, and quail. 408 7th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-897-7744 www.thehoteltides.com/restaurant
MOGO Korean Fusion Taco: With two locations (on the boardwalk and on Cookman), MOGO is the place to go when you’re craving a spicy pork taco with crisp slaw. 850 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-894-9188 www.eatmogo.com/
Anchor’s Bend: Just inside Convention Hall is a place where you can not only sit by the ocean and enjoy a cocktail, but actually sit on the beach and enjoy one… legally! 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-8500 theanchorsbend.com
Porta: With two large pizza ovens that were delivered from Italy, you can get why pizza aficionados sometimes refer to Porta as mecca of pizza. 911 Kingsley Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-7661 http://pizzaporta.com/
Langosta Lounge: Vacation inspired cuisine is the name of the game at this boardwalk restaurant owned by local restauranteur, Marilyn Schlossbach. 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-3275 langostalounge.com
Robinson Ale House: It’s second location at the Jersey Shore now features can’t miss Atlantic views along with comforting dishes like Creole Shrimp. 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-1400 http://therobinsonalehouseasburypark.com/
Asbury Oyster Bar: Located in the beautiful Convention Hall, this small raw bar offers everything from oysters to ceviche and is a great stop before a concert. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-8500 http://www.asburyoysterbar.com/
Pop’s Garage: Another menu from the Marilyn Schlossbach Group, think quick Mexican food made with sustainable ingredients. 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park 732-576-2181 https://www.popsgaragenj.com/
Hoagitos
Hoagitos is the latest restaurant to develop out of the flourishing trend of mixing fast food convenience with high quality fare. They pride themselves on home roasted meats and fresh ingredients. Boardwalk, Asbury Park (732) 361-5454 http://www.hoagitos.com/
Asbury Park Restaurants On Main Street and the West Side
This corner spot on Main Street is home to stone fired pizza, bread, and a dessert menu that changes daily. This year it made our list of pizzas that are a must eat in Monmouth County with absolutely no objections from our readers. 711 4th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-361-3061 www.medusaap.com/
Hang out with them on the boardwalk or in the back of a bike store off of Springwood and be treated to highly Instagrammable décor and dishes (including pierogies that are made in house). 808 Springwood Avenue, Asbury Park 732-361-5235 highvoltagecoffee.com
Frank’s Deli & Restaurant: Local’s know there’s really only one spot for a true pork roll sandwich at the shore and Frank’s is it. 1406 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-775-6682 franksdelinj.com/
Sunset Landing Luncheonette: Just before the bridge into Allenhurst is a breakfast place that will make you think you’re out in the country – ducks and canoes included. 1215 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park 732-776-9732 www.sunsetlandingap.com/
Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant: Near the unofficial entrance into Asbury is an old school Italian restaurant that locals swear by – it’s Sopranos without the killer drama (and a spot for celebrity sitings like Paul McCartney). 1405 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-5051 jimmysitalianrestaurant.com
Plaza Tapatia: For authentic Mexican dishes look no further than Tapatia (and while you’re there check out their grocery store). 707 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-776-7826 http://tapatiarestaurant.com/
The Chat & Nibble: Just off of Main Street, you’ll find locals reading their newspapers and catching up over heaps of hash browns and pancakes from early morning till afternoon. 932 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-5100 http://www.thechatandnibble.com/
Cascada Restaurant and Bar: Well known for their night life, their menu is also must try with authentic Mexican and Latin American dishes. 1114 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-774-0081 http://cascadabarandrestaurant.com
Cielito Lindo 3 Mexican Restaurant: Expanding from Belmar to Asbury, all you have to know is that their sauces are addicting (and spicy) while their tacos are always on point. 1206 Main Street, Asbury Park 732-455-5745 http://cielitolindomexicanfood.com/menu/
A few blocks away from downtown between Main Street and the railroad tracks is what has become known as a local’s hidden gem. Lentil Tree may be in the midst of becoming more of a take out/food truck business, but that shouldn’t stop you from doing your absolute best to get a hole of one of their Shwarama bowls. 805 5th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-455-5066 www.LentilTree.com
While You’re In Town…
Offering everything from wall yoga to massages and ayurvedic therapies, Kur Wellness Studio is the solution to your beauty problems. You may want to trade a couple of hours on the beach for a couple of hours in one of their luxurious treatment rooms. 412 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-361-8956 www.kurstudios.com
Try your best at the art of glass blowing with the help of the experts at Hot Sand Studio (or just pick up a glass piece to go – the waves are favorite). 550 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-927-5475 www.hotsandap.com
Stay and play at the latest edition to Asbury’s scene, just a step away from the ocean you’ll find a rooftop bar complete with street food from a delicious food truck, game room, and outdoor movies. 210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park 732-774-7100 www.theasburyhotel.com/
Since opening in 2015, the House of Independents has become another favorite spot to witness some amazing local and international artists. 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-977-5284 houseofindependents.com